Dental crowns can restore shape, size and strength to damaged teeth. They are often used to hold weak or cracked teeth together to prevent further fracturing, support large fillings, cover discolored or misshapen teeth and improve mouth function.
They can also replace missing teeth by holding a false tooth (known as a pontic) in place between supporting teeth. However, they do have some limitations that need to be considered when considering them as an option.
Strength
Dental crowns protect weakened teeth, help prevent further damage, and restore their appearance. Typically, they are placed after restorative procedures like root canals and tooth extractions. They can also be used to hold dental bridges in place, treat a cracked tooth, cover a large filling, or replace missing teeth.
Depending on your budget, tooth location, and aesthetic preferences, you can choose from porcelain- or ceramic-based dental crowns Glendale AZ that match the color of your natural teeth, or metal-alloy crowns that provide durability. Porcelain-fused to metal (PFM) crowns are popular because they combine strength with a natural-looking porcelain surface, but the porcelain coating can chip over time and expose the metal underneath.
Using a dental crown is an affordable way to restore your damaged tooth and improve your smile. With proper care, your dental crowns can last 10-15 years. Brushing twice a day and flossing, and scheduling regular appointments can go a long way in prolonging their lifespan.
Durability
The lifespan of your dental crown depends on its materials, as well as your oral hygiene and dietary habits. With proper care, a crown can last between 15 and 25 years. You can help extend its life by brushing twice a day and flossing, and scheduling regular dental visits.
The dentist can recommend a crown to repair teeth that are discolored or misshapen, replace large fillings, protect cracked or broken teeth from further damage, and help align your bite. They can also hold a bridge in place, protect mouth nerves from damage and decay, or cover a chipped tooth.
The dentist will usually need to prepare the tooth or implant before installing the crown. They will then make impressions of the tooth, either digitally or with reliable, putty-like materials, to send to a laboratory. They will fit you with a temporary crown until your permanent crown is ready. They can be made from porcelain, ceramics, metal alloys, resin, or BruxZir (a high-quality ceramic). Porcelain and ceramic crowns look most natural, but they are not as durable as other options.
Aesthetics
Crowns reinforce and protect damaged teeth while restoring their shape, size, strength, and appearance. They are often used to support large fillings or cover discolored teeth that can’t be repaired with dental bonding. They also hold weak or cracked teeth together to prevent further fracturing and provide long-lasting protection for teeth with root canals.
Crowns can be made of different materials to meet a variety of needs. Porcelain and ceramic dental crowns Glendale AZ are the most aesthetic and look like your natural tooth color. However, they may not be as durable as some other options. New porcelain materials, such as zirconia and empress 2, have improved light transmission for a more natural look.
The process of getting a crown typically involves two visits. During the first visit, a minimal amount of tooth structure is removed to prepare the tooth for the crown. An impression is then taken and a temporary crown placed until the permanent crown is ready to be inserted.
Comfort
Dental crowns provide an effective solution for a variety of different tooth conditions. They can be used to protect a weak or cracked tooth from further damage, cover and support teeth with large fillings, help restore a broken or decayed tooth, hold a dental bridge in place, or even to help replace missing teeth and correct misalignment of the bite.
Depending on your needs, we can create the perfect crown using a variety of materials. Metal crowns, for example, are resilient and can withstand chewing and biting forces. Porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crowns offer a good balance of durability and aesthetics, while ceramic crowns like BruxZir have an appearance more similar to natural teeth.
The first step in receiving a dental crown involves visiting your dentist to have the tooth or teeth prepared. In most cases, a temporary crown will be placed to protect the tooth until the permanent crown can be cemented in during a second visit.